Quest turned around.
“Doctor,” he said, “I happen to have my chemical chest with me, and some special testing tubes. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to examine this cup of bouillon. You might come round, too, if you will.”
The Captain nodded.
“I’d better stay here for a time,” he decided. “I’ll follow you presently.”
The service of dinner was resumed. Laura, however, sent plate after plate away. The Captain watched her anxiously.
“I can’t help it,” she explained. “I don’t know whether you’ve had any talk with Mr. Quest, but we’ve been through some queer times lately. I guess this death business is getting on my nerves.”
The Captain was startled.
“You don’t for a moment connect Mrs. Foston Rowe’s death with the criminal you are in search of?” he exclaimed.
Laura sat quite still for a moment.
“The bouillon was offered first to Mr. Quest,” she murmured.